My Future Self Warned Me: The Marriage Was a Lie

The night before getting my marriage license, I had a dream.

A woman who looked exactly like me swallowed an entire bottle of sleeping pills with a pale face, then stared at me intently.

I asked her in a trembling voice who she was. The woman smiled grotesquely.

I'm you seven years from now, Chloe. You're a complete fool! Played like a dog by Ethan and Lily, and you're willing to accept it all.

"The one Ethan really wants to marry is his foster sister. He's only with you because the Johnson family won't approve of them being together. Your marriage to him is fake, and you're still overjoyed, taking care of Lily with him."

"You couldn't even protect your own child, and ended up raising Lily's child for six years."

"In the end, when Ethan's parents died, they didn't need you as their shield anymore. They kicked you out without giving you a single penny, and you had no choice but to swallow pills and kill yourself like me!"

She finally coughed up blood that sprayed onto my face.

I jerked awake, my back soaked in cold sweat.

The moonlight outside the window was like gauze, layer upon layer pressing down on me until I could barely breathe.

I clutched my chest and took deep breaths for a while before I felt like I'd come back to life. Ethan, who should have been lying next to me in bed, was nowhere to be seen. The sheets were cold as ice.

He'd been gone for quite a while.

My mind still echoed with my future self's desperate screamsthat Ethan married me not out of love, but to use me as a shield for his affair with the Johnson family's foster daughter, Lily. My heart grew cold.

This was too much of a coincidence. Ever since Lily came home from college for break and moved into the new house Ethan and I shared, he'd been disappearing at night.

I used to ask him where he was going. Ethan would smile and pinch the tip of my nose.

"Just going out for a smoke. You have rhinitis and can't stand the smell, and I can't bear to make you uncomfortable."

The hand he reached out indeed carried a faint scent of tobacco. Usually at times like this, I'd be deeply moved, thinking Ethan was gentle and considerate.

But now...

I quietly got up, pushed open the master bedroom door, and approached Lily's guest room, trying to hear something that would confirm the prophecy my dream-self had given me.

There was no sound at all, only the hum of the refrigerator still running in the deep night.

"Chloe, what are you doing?"

A voice suddenly sounded behind me. I shuddered all over and turned to see Ethan standing in the shadows holding the inner pot of a rice cooker, his expression unclear.

I clenched my fists to suppress my heart that nearly jumped out of my chest, and slowly spoke.

"I had a nightmare and woke up scared. When I didn't see you, I came to find you."

"Silly girl, dreams are fake."

Ethan chuckled lightly, walked out from the shadows, and stood in front of me with gentle eyes, raising his hand to ruffle my hair.

"At dinner you said you wanted eight-treasure porridge for breakfast. I forgot to set it before bed, and only remembered while smoking in the middle of the night, so I rushed to program the rice cooker for tomorrow's breakfast. That's why I was late getting back."

"You go back to bed first. I'll come back after I put the pot away. Don't be scared."

I lowered my eyes and indeed saw rice with water added in the rice cooker. Because I didn't like peanuts, Ethan had even carefully picked out the peanuts that came pre-mixed with the rice.

Just a casual remark, yet someone had taken it so seriously to heart. My nose stung, and I felt very guilty.

It was just a dream, yet I'd started suspecting my lover of having an affair with his foster sister.

Ethan's kindness to me was the kind that everyone who heard about it would envy.

Whenever I needed him, he'd appear by my side immediatelywhether I had menstrual cramps or when my car got scratched and a male driver stood outside my car pointing at my nose and cursing.

I only needed to call Ethan.

"Ethan, I'm so scared."

He would always respond with two words.

"Wait for me."

So as long as I was with Ethan, I had endless security.

He was also very generous with me. When gold prices were at their highest, I casually mentioned wanting a gold bracelet. The next day, that bracelet would appear on my wrist, along with a matching necklace and ring.

When I said it was too expensive, moved, Ethan would hold me and comfort me indulgently.

"As long as Chloe is happy, these pieces of jewelry have value."

And in my impression, although Ethan doted on his foster sister Lily, he'd always maintained clear boundaries with her.

I'd seen their chat recordsthey were all very mundane, like his parents calling him home for dinner, or Lily wanting him to bring something home, ending with a "thank you."

When eating at the Johnson house, the shrimp Ethan peeled would first appear in my bowl, with Lily getting the second one. Even when alone together in the same room, every time I pushed open the door, I'd see them sitting far apart.

I once jokingly teased them.

"Why are you sitting so far apart? You're not strangers."

Afterward, Ethan pulled me into his arms and explained carefully.

"Men and women should maintain distance. What's more, Lily is just my foster sisterI need to keep even more distance from her. Besides, wouldn't you be jealous if Lily and I sat close together? Don't tell me my little jealous baby wouldn't cry about it later."

My heart warmed, and I pouted, saying I wouldn't be jealous at all.

Lily was also very polite to me. Every time we met, she'd call me "sister-in-law." Even if she wanted to go out to eat alone with Ethan, she'd tell me in advance.

So when she suggested staying at Ethan's and my new house for a while during her break, I agreed without hesitation.

Perhaps dreams and reality really are opposites.

I bit my lip, lifted my head to kiss Ethan on the lips, then nodded while yawning.

"Okay, I'll go back to bed and wait for you."

But the moment I closed the door, my legs gave out and I collapsed on the floor.

After a long while, I raised my trembling hand. My fingertip brushed across my lips, where a bit of rose-scented lip balm stuck to it, sticky and nauseating.

I didn't wear lip balm at night, and neither did Ethan. Only Lily, because she was prone to cheilitis, would apply a thick layer of lip balm to her lips every night.

That lip balm was even a birthday gift from me. I'd specifically asked Ethan.

"What should I get Lily for her birthday? Give me some recommendations."

Ethan had answered without hesitation.

"Lip balm. She has cheilitis and needs to use it often."

Then I carefully selected a rose-scented lip balm and gave it to Lily. But I never imagined it would end up on Ethan's lips today.

My heart felt like it was being squeezed. I covered my stomach and dry-heaved a few times, even bringing moisture to the corners of my eyes.

But years of feelings still made me immediately reject my own thoughts. I shook my head frantically, murmuring to myself.

"It can't be, it can't be."

Yet my body stood up and walked toward the master bathroom window, which was very close to the kitchen window. Usually it was closed, but when opened, you could hear sounds from the kitchen.

I slowly placed my hand on it. After a long while, I finally worked up the courage to push it open.

"Mmm~ Brother."

A suppressed moan reached my ears. The color drained from my face instantly. It was Lily and Ethan.

"Lily, if you can't hold back, you can bite my shoulder."

"Do you... do this with... sister-in-law too?"

"Every night... ah... do you... bully people like this?"

Lily was clearly being pushed too hard, her voice carrying a sob, yet she was still jealous of me. Ethan gave a muffled laugh.

"If it weren't to keep her from getting suspicious, I wouldn't even want to touch her. Lily, you're the only one I like. Once Mom and Dad are too old to control me, I'll kick Chloe out."

No wonder Ethan only agreed to be with me once a month. No matter how I tried to seduce him the rest of the time, he remained unmoved. I thought he had a low sex drive, but it turned out he was using all his energy on Lily.

The things I'd done in the past were like slaps to my face, drowning me in shame and humiliation.

"Lily, we'll be together forever."

Lily answered softly.

"Okay, brother, we'll be together forever."

I dug my nails into my palms until they turned white, yet calmly ended the recording on my phone.

In my past life, they not only used me as a shield to avoid suspicion, but also caused the death of me and my child. This couldn't just be forgotten.

I lowered my eyes and stiffly lay back in bed.

I don't know how long passed before someone rustled into bed beside me. I forced down my nausea and kept my eyes open until dawn.

Early the next morning, I went to eat the eight-treasure porridge Ethan had used as an excuse, sporting two dark circles under my eyes.

The temperature was neither too hot nor too coldjust right for eating. Ethan was always so considerate, which was also why I fell in love with him and was willing to marry him.

But this consideration had now become the sharpest knife, cutting me to pieces.

I stared blankly at the food in front of me, forcing myself not to cry.

"What's wrong, Chloe? Are you not feeling well? Do you need to go to the hospital?"

Ethan leaned over and reached out to feel my forehead. I instinctively dodged and lowered my head to make an excuse.

"Last night's nightmare kept me from sleeping well. It's nothing, I don't need to go to the hospital."

As I spoke, Lily opened her door and walked out, though her posture was a bit awkward. This time I knew the reason.

Many times before, Lily would stiffen when I touched her. I used to think she didn't like being touched by people, but now I knew it was because Ethan had loved her too intensely.

I didn't turn my head and continued picking up my chopsticks to stir the eight-treasure porridge in my bowl.

Seeing this, Ethan immediately stood up and got a cushion, placing it on the chair. Through the reflection on the kitchen glass door, I saw Lily pinch Ethan's arm in embarrassment. Ethan immediately raised both hands in surrender and gently rubbed her waist. Only then did Lily give a light huff and sit down.

Everything was so natural. Their distance in front of me had all been an act. In places I couldn't see, the two were intimate and sweet, like a pair of natural lovers.

I couldn't help ita bitter smile appeared at the corner of my mouth, a self-mocking one aimed at myself.

Mocking myself for being fooled like an idiot for so many years, dying unjustly in the end. Even my soul after death couldn't rest, crossing time to warn myself in a dream to stay away.

"Sister-in-law."

Lily called me sweetly, looking completely innocent. No one would know that last night she was still jealous about her brother's intimate moments with me.

I gave a very light "mm," and Lily continued speaking.

"Sister-in-law, don't be too nervous. Ethan is a good person. After you get your license today, you'll definitely be happy together."

Her eyes looked at me brightly.

"Mom said that tonight after getting the license, both families' parents should have dinner together. Uncle and Aunt have already been picked up and brought to the house. Mom said sister-in-law hasn't replied to her messages, so she asked me to tell you."

Mrs. Johnson.

I'd almost forgotten about her, and remembered how more than once, she'd hinted to me.

"Chloe, what do you think of Ethan and Lily's relationship?"

At that time, I couldn't hear the probing behind those words and answered honestly.

"Lily and Ethan have a very good relationship and are very proper with boundaries. Mrs. Johnson, your two children are both excellent."

She looked at me for a long time, staring until I felt confused, before nodding lightly.

"Yes, they're both excellent. Chloe, thank you for being willing to marry Ethan."

So she'd known the truth all along and had been testing me repeatedly.

Knowing that her foster daughter and son had an unspeakable secret, she still couldn't bear to send either of them away. Instead, she dragged me into this quagmire, ultimately leading to my death.

I gripped my chopsticks tightly, then looked up with a gentle smile on my lips.

"Okay, I happen to have a surprise I want to give Uncle and Aunt."

"Mm!"

Lily nodded vigorously. After she finished eating, Ethan drove both Lily and me to the civil affairs bureau.

When we got out of the car, Lily waved at us.

"Ethan, sister-in-law, you go get your license. I'll wait for you in the car."

Ethan nodded and told her not to wander off, then took my hand into the civil affairs bureau.

When taking photos, he cupped my face, his eyes full of tenderness.

"Chloe, I'm really so happy."

"We can be together for a lifetime from now on. Live together, die together, never parting until our hair turns white."

I looked into his eyes. My face was clearly smiling, but my throat was filled with countless bitter feelings, choking me until I could barely speak. I desperately bit my tongue to avoid showing anything unusual, and responded lightly.

"Mm, never parting until our hair turns white."

Just not with me as the partner.

The staff brought over two forms. I filled them out in order, verified them at the window, and Ethan helped me to a seat to rest.

"Chloe, you don't look well. I'll go get the marriage certificates. Just wait here for me."

My hand gripping his sleeve tightened and loosened repeatedly. After a long while, I finally let go and smiled.

"Okay."

I didn't wait long before Ethan came back with two red booklets. I opened them to lookthe official seal was clear, and the photo was the one we'd just taken. Very authentic.

But no matter how real a fake looks, it can never be genuine.

I lowered my head and suddenly spoke.

"Ethan, I want to use the restroom. Can you wait for me in the car?"

He agreed without hesitation. Only after I couldn't see his back anymore did I return to the window with the marriage certificate, determined to see the final truth with my own eyes. I couldn't give up until then.

The staff member took what I handed over and looked at it carefully for a while before stating with certainty.

"Although it looks very similar, this marriage certificate is fake. In the system, Mr. Ethan Johnson's registered spouse is Miss Lily Johnson. Miss Chloe, I think you've been deceived."

The staff member looked at me with pity. I felt all the strength drain from my body and slumped in the chair, my face wettears were falling uncontrollably.

Yes, I'd been deceived.

My body felt like it had been torn into pieces by my feelings for Ethan. The pain made my face turn pale, but after the pain came relief and a sense of liberation.

At least I wouldn't be fooled again.

The staff member quickly handed me tissues. I thanked them hoarsely, forced myself to calm down, used cold water to reduce the redness in my eyes, and then returned to the car.

Ethan drove back to the Johnson house. Mrs. Johnson enthusiastically came up to me, holding my hand and praising me as a good girl.

My parents stood behind, looking at us with relief. Mom even wiped the corner of her eye. My throat tightenedI felt I'd let my parents down. This dinner was destined not to go well.

She pulled me into the living room. The table was filled with foods I liked to eatyou could tell the Johnson family had put in great effort.

After we all sat down, Mr. Johnson raised his wine glass and happily announced.

"From today on, the Johnsons and the Parkers are one family!"

"In-laws, rest assured, from now on we'll love Chloe like our own daughter and absolutely won't let her suffer any grievance."

Mrs. Johnson said with a smile.

"If Ethan makes you angry, Chloe, just tell us. Mom and Dad will back you up."

My parents also immediately stood up, smiling and nodding.

"It's Chloe's blessing to marry Ethan. We just hope that in the future, the young couple will have a happy and fulfilling life."

Lily also congratulated me, but I heard a trace of jealousy in her voice.

"Sister-in-law, happy wedding."

Ethan raised his wine glass, looking at me affectionately.

"Chloe, from now on, I'll walk the road ahead with you."

Everyone looked at me, their faces wearing real or fake smiles. Only I sat steadily in my chair, surveying everyone present, and gave a light laugh.

"Uncle, Aunt, you're calling the wrong person."

In the suddenly quiet air, only my voice continued calmly and unhurriedly.

"Ethan's legal wife isn't me, but your other childLily."

As soon as the words fell, a moan came from my phone.

That suppressed moan was exactly what I'd recorded last night by the bathroom window.

Ethan's coaxing, Lily's moansin the silent living room, they were particularly jarring.

Ethan's face instantly turned deathly pale. The wine glass in his hand crashed onto the table with a clang.

"Chloe! Have you lost your mind? Where did this nonsense come from!"

He shot to his feet, his eyes filled only with panic and violence.

Lily was scared into trembling all over, her face paler than paper. She grabbed Ethan's arm hard, her eyes brimming with tears, her voice carrying a sob:

"Brother, it's not true. Sister-in-law is slandering us. We didn't..."

My parents' faces turned ashen. Dad clenched his fists. Mom stepped forward and grabbed my hand, her voice trembling:

"Chloe, what's going on? Explain this clearly!"

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson had also lost their earlier enthusiasm. Mrs. Johnson forced herself to stay calm and sternly rebuked me:

"Chloe, stop this nonsense! Ethan and Lily are siblings. How can you fabricate such filthy lies and ruin their reputations!"

I gave a cold laugh, released Mom's hand, pulled the fake marriage certificate from my bag, and slammed it hard on the table.

"Nonsense?"

I picked up the marriage certificate and flipped to the page with the official seal:

"At the civil affairs bureau earlier, the staff clearly told me this is fake! Ethan's registered spouse in the system is Lily, not me!"

I clicked on the recording on my phone again and continued playing it. The later content was even more explicitEthan saying "once Mom and Dad are old, I'll kick Chloe out," and Lily's coquettish jealousy, all clearly audible.

The living room fell into complete silence. The Johnson family's faces turned alternately green and white. Mr. Johnson was so angry his whole body shook. He pointed at Ethan, unable to say a word for a long time.

Seeing she couldn't hide it anymore, Lily simply gave up, released Ethan's arm, and cried out:

"So what if it's true! Brother and I are in love! If you all hadn't disagreed, we would have been together long ago!"

"Chloe is just a shield! A tool you use to deal with outsiders. Why should she get to stand openly by my brother's side while I have to hide in the shadows?"

Ethan stopped pretending too and glared at me viciously:

"Chloe, since you know everything, I won't hide it anymore. Lily and I truly love each other. Marrying you was just a stopgap measure. If you're smart, you'll bow out voluntarily. Don't force me to be rude to you."

Looking at this pair of scum in front of me, I felt nothing but disgust.

I raised an eyebrow:

"Why should I bow out? You deceived my feelings, used me as a shield, even plotted to kick me out once Mr. and Mrs. Johnson died. Did you really think I was a soft persimmon you could squeeze?"

I turned to look at my parents, my eyes reddening:

"Mom, Dad, I'm sorry for disappointing you. I almost jumped into this fire pit. But please believe metoday I will get justice."

Dad patted my shoulder, his eyes firm:

"Chloe, don't be afraid. Mom and Dad are here. No one can bully you! The Johnson family deceived you like thiswe absolutely won't let this go!"

Seeing this, Mrs. Johnson immediately softened her tone and grabbed my hand pleadingly:

"Chloe, Aunt was wrong. We were confused. Please forgive Ethan and Lily just this once, okay? We'll compensate you. Any amount of money is fine."

I shook off her hand:

"I was deceived by you all for so many years. Can money make up for the feelings and sincerity I gave? Seven years from now, you drove me to swallow pills and kill myself. I couldn't even protect my own child. How will you repay this debt?"

This statement was like a thunderbolt, shocking the Johnson family speechless.

Ethan's face changed dramatically:

"You... how do you know all this?"

I didn't answer him. I just took out my phone and clicked on the recording I'd prepared earlier.

It was the civil affairs bureau staff member's confirmation, plus the confession I'd just recorded from Lily and Ethan.

"Today, either you publicly apologize and compensate me for my emotional damages, or I'll hand over these recordings and the fake marriage certificate to the media and let everyone see the Johnson family's true face!"